What is a sankalpa in yoga nidra?
In yoga nidra, you are invited to bring to mind a sankalpa. In Sanskrit this can be translated as ‘resolve’ or ‘resolution’. It is an important stage, at the beginning and end of the practice.
The ancient yogis realised (a few thousand years before western science could prove it) that the subconscious and unconscious levels of the mind open up during relaxed states of yoga nidra. This makes the mind receptive to change.
Your sankalapa is an intention to strengthen your personality or do/be something different in your life – see it as a seed of transformation sown in the bed of your subconscious.
To successfully utilise the power of this determination, consider the ideas below.
Think of your sankalpa
Do not be in a hurry to decide your sankalpa
Let your sankalpa emerge from a desire that is meaningful to you
If you have a negative habit, this can be addressed with a positive sankalpa
Choose your sankalpa from the heart
Choose only one sankalpa until it brings clear and lasting results
Word it clearly
Your sankalpa should be a short, clear and concise statement
It should be positive, easy to understand and said in the present tense
A few examples:
I am physically and mentally healed
I have the confidence to achieve my goals
I have a clear direction in life
I am a strong and confident communicator
I can be in a loving and wholesome relationship
I am balanced in mind and emotions
When to repeat it
Your sankalpa is repeated mentally three times at the start and end of yoga nidra
It can also be repeated any time; before sleep, after waking and during meditations, are effective times as the mind is the also receptive then
Repeat it with sincerity
Repeat your sankalpa always with conviction and belief
Lack of intention will not allow your sankalpa to settle deeply into the subconscious
Final notes
It’s ok if you do not know what your sankalpa should be; this is normal, especially if you are new to the practice.
Take your time, give it some attention and wait for it to develop.